Guide for Setting Up Windows Server Core

When you need to setup Windows Server Core, it’s useful to first familiarize ourselves with the key PowerShell commands that configure the server.

Windows Server Core is a minimal installation option that provides a lightweight, command-line interface (CLI)-only environment, making it ideal for environments requiring lower resource usage and enhanced security. However, if you’re new to PowerShell, navigating this environment may seem challenging at first.

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for configuring a new Windows Server 2016 Core host, covering the following:
> Installing Windows Server Core
> Changing a Windows Server Hostname via CLI
> Configuring TCP/IP & DNS Settings
> Joining a Windows Server to a Domain

1. Installing Windows Server Core

During the Windows Server OS installation, select the Windows Server Core option:

Windows Server Core Install

Once the installation completes, you’ll be prompted to set an Administrator password:

Server Core Enter Admin Password

Enter a secure password for the built-in Administrator user:

Server Core Enter Admin Password

After logging in, you’ll see the CLI environment, ready for configuration:

PowerShell Get Hostname

2. Changing a Windows Server Hostname

To change the hostname, use the Rename-Computer cmdlet in PowerShell, followed by a reboot:

PowerShell Rename-Computer

Tip: Always choose a meaningful hostname that reflects the server’s role in your environment.

3. Configuring TCP/IP & DNS Settings

To configure the server’s network settings, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Current Network Interfaces
Use the Get-NetIPConfiguration cmdlet to display current IP configurations:

PowerShell Get-NetIPConfiguration

Step 2: Set a Static IP Address
Use the New-NetIPAddress cmdlet to configure a private IP address:

PowerShell New-NetIPAddress

Step 3: Configure DNS Server
Set the DNS server address using the Set-DnsClientServerAddress cmdlet:

PowerShell Set-DNSClientServerAddress

Step 4: Verify Network Connectivity
Ping the gateway and other hosts to confirm connectivity is good between servers:

Ping IP Test Example
Ping Hostname Test

4. Joining a Windows Server to a Domain

To join a Windows Server to a Domain via CLI, use the Add-Computer PowerShell cmdlet:

# join computer to domain powershell
Add-Computer -DomainName "yourdomain.local" -Credential (Get-Credential) 

Enter the domain name and credentials of an account with the necessary permissions.

PowerShell Add-Computer
PowerShell Add Computer Domain Name

Reboot the server to complete the process:

PowerShell Add-Computer Reboot

After rebooting, you can log in with either the Local Administrator account or a domain user account:

Server Core Login Other User

For domain logins, select Other User and specify the domain credentials.

Server Core Domain Login
Server Core Hostname and Login Info

Hope this Windows Core configuration guide was useful for you!


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